In March 2010, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published a clinical guideline outlining the best pharmacological treatments for adults with neuropathic pain who are being treated in non-specialist healthcare settings.1 Although the recommendations can be followed in hospital clinics other than pain or neurology clinics, they are most likely to be of the greatest benefit in primary care settings. The treatment of neuropathic pain in this context represents an important, but probably underestimated problem.
The NICE guideline uses the best available evidence on the effectiveness, cost effectiveness, and adverse reactions of the drugs that can be used in the treatment of neuropathic pain, the results of which are detailed in a practical guide for healthcare professionals to consider.1 By following the recommendations, it is hoped that there will be improvements in the identification and management of neuropathic pain in non-specialist settings.
Read review by Professor Blair H. Smith (registration and login to site required)